For the past few years, I've been attending a fall hiking weekend with some friends at the Ararat Center. It's always a fun weekend. I wanted to say, though, that this past trip, I noticed many improvements [more...]

FR. PAREE METJIAN TO BE HONORED DURING ARARAT CENTER FESTIVAL ON JULY 15

July 1, 2006

(GREENVILLE, NY) – Rev. Fr. Paree Metjian served more than a decade as the director of St. Vartan Camp upon being appointed by then Primate, Archbishop Torkom Manoogian in 1980. The camp program was started in 1979 as a project of the ACYOA Seniors. What began as a one-week program with 50 participants grew into a two-week camp with nearly 150 campers under the leadership of Fr. Paree. It was through Fr. Paree’s early vision of this camp which helped it to continue growing into its current status of six-weeks. In addition, without the foundation that was successfully laid for St. Vartan Camp, there would be no need for a permanent site for this program. But indeed, this has become a very-well earned reality.

The Ararat Center, purchased in January of 2004 by the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), is now the home of the St. Vartan Camp Program, which has blossomed even further under successors to Fr. Paree. To celebrate this successful investment for the third consecutive summer, a Festival on the grounds of the Center will be held July 15 from 12- 5 p.m.

During the Festival, a program will take place in which Fr. Paree will be honored for his dedication to the early years of St. Vartan Camp. Also during the program, a pavilion ground breaking ceremony, as well as a blessing service presided over by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, will be held.

This Armenian-styled Festival is open to the public and will feature delicious barbecue chicken meals and lulu kebob meals for only $12, scrumptious Armenian pastries, activities for children, music by the Philly Kef band, and a special performance by the Sipan Dance Group of Albany. An added feature this year will be vendors selling their goods ranging from Armenian grocery items, to jewelry and photos of Armenia, and books.

More than 500 people are anticipated to participate in this year’s event. To reserve your spot at this picnic, please e-mail